As the dust clears from the #SoleimaniAssassination a major takeaway relates to US perceptions of Iran's military capabilities: namely, that they are probably more impressive, and deadly, than were originally suspected.
Simulations have emphasized Iran's ability to use ballistic missiles to inflict heavy losses. After #Abqaiq and this attack, we have proof.
Iran clearly possesses the means to deliver precision strikes, with incredible accuracy. The ramifications could be significant.
Iran clearly possesses the means to deliver precision strikes, with incredible accuracy. The ramifications could be significant.
My first reaction was that this was a calculated strike, meant as a provocative but ultimately restrained response to Soleimani. As we parse the data, it's also possible to see this as a demonstration
Had Iran intended to inflict real harm, it would have chosen more important targets. It could have struck US bases in the Gulf, incapacitated GCC oil facilities, or sown havoc on shipping lanes. It could have targeted Israel. It might have enough missiles to do this all at once.
Another thread with a load of insight on this
